Kaluma seeks media interview on corruption in Parliament after Ruto’s graft claims against MPs
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has expressed an interest in engaging with the media to discuss corruption within Parliament, following recent allegations by President William Ruto that Members of Parliament are accepting bribes.
In a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Kaluma said that rent-seeking is rampant in the current Parliament and must be addressed decisively to succeed in the fight against corruption.
You might also like
Kaluma also indicated his readiness to participate in a media debate on the matter.
He stressed the importance of confronting corrupt practices head-on and expressed hope that journalists would soon provide a platform to deliberate on the challenges and potential solutions for curbing corruption within Parliament.
“Rent-seeking is rife in the current Parliament, and we need to deal with it firmly if the fight against corruption is to succeed. Looking forward to the day the Media will call me for a debate on the topic “corruption within Parliament”!” Kaluma stated.
Graft allegations
Speaking at the Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Ruto said that oversight committees had abandoned their constitutional duties and were demanding payments from the executive and other officials in exchange for favourable reports.
“Something is happening in Parliament that must be called out. There is money being demanded from governors, the executive, and those responsible for accountability,” the President said.
Ruto also criticised the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission for failing to hold corrupt individuals accountable and criticised the Judiciary for granting anticipatory bail to those facing serious allegations. He said the practice allows corrupt individuals to avoid prosecution, undermining the fight against graft.
The President noted that corruption threatens his government’s transformation agenda and urged all arms of government to safeguard public resources. He highlighted recent legal reforms, including the signing of the Conflict of Interest Bill, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability.
Ruto’s allegations have sparked reactions in Parliament. Senators led by Public Accounts Committee Chair Moses Kajwang’ demanded that the President be summoned to substantiate his claims, citing Article 125 of the Constitution, which allows Parliament to compel anyone, including the President, to appear before a committee.
Meanwhile, National Assembly MPs paralysed committee business in protest. Members abandoned their chambers and locked committee rooms after being collectively branded as corrupt. Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto urged the Speaker to defend the integrity of the House, warning that MPs were now being viewed with suspicion even when performing their duties.
Other MPs, including Junet Mohamed, insisted that allegations against some members should not taint the entire House. He said the burden of proof lies with those making the claims, not with the accused.
